Malappuram (Kerala): Police on Monday took the boat owner, identified as Nasar, into custody from Kozhikode after 22 people lost their lives after a tourist boat capsized near the Thoovaltheeram beach in Kerala’s Malappuram district. Eight people, who were rescued on Sunday evening, are undergoing treatment at various hospitals.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan visited the Taluk Hospital in Tirurangadi in Malappuram district where survivors of the incident are admitted. State Revenue Minister K Rajan and Forests and Wildlife Minister AK Saseendran also visited the spot.
The state human rights commission registered a case on its own over the tragic accident. Judicial member of the Human Rights Commission K Baiju Nath directed the Malappuram district collector and the chief port surveyor of Alappuzha to submit a report within 10 days. The Commission said the suo motu case, based on media reports, would be considered on May 19.
Chief Minister Vijayan after visiting the survivors said a judicial inquiry has been ordered to look into the cause of the accident. “We have to take measures to ensure that such an incident should not happen. For that, we have decided there should be a judicial inquiry. In this inquiry, we will include the technical aspects of the boat. A special investigation team of police will be inquiring into this case," the Chief Minister said. He also announced Rs 10,00,000 ex gratia to the kin of the deceased.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also has expressed deep shock at the tragedy and announced an ex gratia of Rs 200,000 to the families of the deceased. “Pained by the loss of lives due to the boat mishap in Malappuram, Kerala,” Modi tweeted.